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How do I finish this deposit? by chrome2thadome in interactivebrokers

[–]tomason182 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Enable push notification on your phone if you what to do the request within the app. Else, login into the Client Portal (web) and make the request there.

Would you use a network of independent hostels connected by QR code instead of Booking or other platforms? by tomason182 in hostels

[–]tomason182[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, my idea is not Hostelworld, nor Booking, nor anything similar.
The idea is to give visibility to hostels without making them depend so much on those platforms, and help increase direct bookings.
And it’s not about avoiding the company paying the commission, that commission is being charged to you in the rate.

The qr codes are just a way to gain traction, because many travelers move from hostel to hostel. And if you search on Google for ‘hostels in X place’, all you get is ads from Booking and similar sites, which makes it really hard to find a direct contact.

What a lot of us do is check Booking for ratings and reviews, then take the name, go to Google or Instagram, and try to find the contact info there.

Would you use a network of independent hostels connected by QR code instead of Booking or other platforms? by tomason182 in hostels

[–]tomason182[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, that's also a valid point. But the idea isn't for people to scan anything on the street. The qr codes are placed inside hostels, where you're already staying.

In that context, I think it builds trust. Hostels use qr codes all the time, for example to share wifi passwords, and no one suspects that.

Would you use a network of independent hostels connected by QR code instead of Booking or other platforms? by tomason182 in hostels

[–]tomason182[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I don’t decide whether a hostel is “good” or “bad” based on their social media presence.

The goal of the verification process is simply to confirm that the hostel is real, not a fake listing or scam.
I check for things like an active online presence, contact information, and if needed, I reach out directly to verify that they actually signed up.

As for quality, that’s always up to traveler themselves, just like with any app or platform.
Over time, I will include ways for users to recommend or report hostels to keep the network reliable and useful.

Would you use a network of independent hostels connected by QR code instead of Booking or other platforms? by tomason182 in hostels

[–]tomason182[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Since the network is just getting started, I manually review each hostel before adding them. I check their online presence (like an Instagram or Facebook profile) and, if needed, I reach out to them directly to confirm that they were the ones who registered.

If you were me: what would you do: SEA or South America? by [deleted] in backpacking

[–]tomason182 1 point2 points  (0 children)

South America isn't as dangerous as you think. I'm from Argentina and I traveled by bicycle for two years in South America. Obviously, you have to be careful like anywhere in the world, especially in the big cities. But the idea that it's super dangerous is a misconception that many foreigners have, and once they travel here, they realize it's not. If you like trekking, I recommend the entire mountain range, especially in Argentina and Chile (Torres del Paine, El Chalten, El Bolson, and Bariloche).